AGE OF AQUARIUS – A NEW AGE, A NEW DAWN

What does this mean I am asked - ”A New Age”.  Well I went off and found the best explanation I could find, written by a New Age person. Saved me time having to try and explain it.

Can you spot the similarities between New Age belief system and the new type of Christianity (Emergent Christianity) that has replaced orthodox Christianity?

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NEW AGE – THE AGE OF AQUARIUS

I recently had a discussion with an acquaintance regarding traditional religious teachings and dogma vs. New Age thinking. I quickly realized that her opinion was that “new age thinking” would condemn one to eternal damnation. We had an indepth discussion on the subject and I was able to help her see what this system of belief is really about. I now realize how much confusion and misunderstanding there is out there about exactly what the term “new age” means. I am by no stretch of the imagination an authority on the subject of new age; however, I have done considerable study of metaphysics over the past 10-12 years and I would like to share some of my personal truths. I will try to do so in a way that can be easily understood by anyone.

I have heard people mistakenly use the term “new age” to describe religion, and also to describe a group of people who do not believe in any higher power outside themselves, but that they are in and of themselves the only higher power. Neither of these things could be further from the truth! The term “new age” could better be described as “belief systems”. The concept of new age beliefs defies the dogma or organization that would make them a true religion. So many involved in true religion merely go through the motions of a set group of guidelines or rules, almost without any conscious thought about what they are doing or why. I once heard it said by someone I have great respect for that outer workings and ritual are no more than a symbolic acknowledgment that bring comfort to the conscious mind, but without inner worship, there is no substance, no truth, no wisdom.

It seems that ceremony and ritual without inner truth and wisdom describe the way many people approach their religion. I was raised in a traditional religious background, and it seemed to me even as a child that people went through motions like little robots each week, all the while really thinking about the roast they had cooking at home for lunch and what would they do in the afternoon for entertainment. I say most people. I know there are those that approach these things with the utmost love in their hearts and a deep respect and belief for the teachings. Truth comes in many forms and can be brought by many messengers. Those people will eventually get to their inner truths.   [Emphasis added]

Here are some truths about the term “new age” that may be helpful in understanding its true meaning:

The term “new age” actually has its roots in astrology. Astrologers believe there are 12 “ages” that last approximately 2000 years. The completion of each cycle brings about planetary growth, change and learning, both physically and spiritually. We are now in the Picean Age. We are approaching the Aquarian Age, which begins another cycle in the year 2000. This transition period from one age to another is what the term “new age” refers. Every 2000 years makes a new age – a milestone in the spiritual evolution of humanity.

Some of the basic beliefs that are common to the new age could also be applied to other systems of belief:

*God, Spirit, Buddah, Allah, Godforce, the Ultimate Source, the All That Is, are all names for the same creator.

*We will find God by looking within ourselves.

*God resides in all creation; all elements of nature are capable of miracles and healing.

*The greater truth of the Universe is much greater than we currently understand.

*The true essence of each person is the soul; its the infinite essence of each of us. Its a matter of developing clear awareness. The physical body is only a temporary vehicle for experiencing growth.

*We honor ourselves, each other, and Creator with the diversity of our spirits.

As I mentioned earlier, each millennium brings with it many changes for us as a planetary family. It is not Spirit’s nature to stand still. The one things that is constant in the Universe is change. The very essence of our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves is accelerating, becoming lighter, brighter, moving toward enlightenment. The old systems of thought are being replaced by new systems suitable to this “new age”. The new system of thought is called New Age Consciousness. Truth and reality rein over doctrine.

The fullness of truth will come forth and enlighten the minds of those who listen to the inner voice. Without question, there is value to some teachers and their teachings. We need to listen to their truth, consider it, and either adopt or reject it – then move on. Ultimately, we need to go within and seek our own truth.

This transition time and new age is meant to challenge our current way of thinking and being – to shake us out of our comfort zones. Most of the turmoil we are experiencing and will experience in our everyday lives is merely our own resistence to these truths. Our feeble attempts to restore our little illusions out of fear of change create most of the upheaval. Many find that they have tremendous longings and deep desires that are knawing at their very soul. These desires are proof that the success of our journey of discovery and attainment of the pearl without price is already assured.

When we are attuned to Spirit, we are “in the flow” and our experiences are of balance and harmony. We are a growing truth to a profound spiritual transformation in our way of life in the next millennium. Each and every person should walk gently through the Universe knowing that our physical bodies are temples that house the Holy Spirit, and that we have the ability to transform our lives into expressions of joy, love and fulfillment as never before. It is time to put aside our differences about how we believe things should be and learn to see through the eyes of unconditional love and acceptance. We should focus on all the ways we are the same rather than all the ways we are different. We can help each other grow and learn. After all, we are all here to remember what truly powerful beings we all are. Jesus said, you will do all that I do and more.

One of the most inspiring and truth filled statements I have ever heard came from ~ A RETURN TO LOVE by Marianne Williamson© 1992, and I think, in a nut shell explains the new age consciousness. She said, in part:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brillant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

We are in the middle of a global transformation that is affecting every aspect of our lives. This process is creating fear and uncertainty for some, but for others, it presents a wonderful opportunity. The world as we have know it is dying and a new one is emerging. Those who are able to let go of the old ways will enjoy the process and will be able to contribute to the greatest experience the world has ever known — the birth of the new age!

After the discussion with my friend ended, we both concluded that what did matter was that Spirit resides in each of us and all living things, and also in remembering that we are created in the image of God, from Spirit’s essence, with all of Spirit’s attributes.

And that’s my truth of it.

Copyright 1998, Loretta Rogers    from   http://labyrinth_3.tripod.com/page16.html